Lansing is Green!

U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement

On January 29, 2007, Mayor Virg Bernero signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, committing the City of Lansing to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under the agreement, Lansing will strive to meet or beat Kyoto Protocol targets- a 7% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012-through actions ranging from reduced energy use in City facilities and the promotion of "green" development, to public information campaigns. The City's first step in meeting the goal of the Climate Protection Agreement was the launch of the Go Green! Initiative and Mayor Bernero's adoption of a renewable portfolio standard (RPS). The RPS requires that city facilities utilize alternative energy resources; 10% by 2010, 15% by 2015, 20% by 2020.

Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities (GLACC)

The Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities program was established in 1993 in response to the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992, and aims to promote energy, environmental, and economic security by reducing our dependence on imported petroleum. Since its establishment, Clean Cities and its stakeholders have displaced the use of more than 1.6 billion gallons of petroleum. GLACC is a local, public-private coalition of individuals, corporations, organizations, and governments interested in cleaner fuels, vehicles, and practices that can improve the air quality and energy security in Greater Lansing. The partnership provides tools and resources for voluntary, community-based programs to reduce consumption of petroleum-based fuels. GLACC is available for you to help green your vehicle fleet and to encourage your clients or customers to be greener drivers.

Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Challenge

In an effort to meet the em ission reduction goals of the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, Mayor Bernero and the City of Lansing signed on to the U.S. EPA's Energy Star Challenge. The Challenge is a national call-to-action aimed at improving the energy efficiency of America's commercial and industrial buildings by 10 percent or more. The City of Lansing, along with other Challenge participants, is taking action to:

Other Efforts by the City of Lansing

Many of Lansing's sewer lines were built prior to 1953, and consist of a single pipe to transport both sewage and stormwater. During times of heavy rainfall, sewage may overflow into the river before wastewater treatment gets a chance to sanitize it, resulting in environmental degradation. In an effort to protect the river, Lansing is currently working to correct the problem by constructing a second pipe and separating 203 miles of combined sewer pipes. The project began in 1992, is estimated to be completed in 2022.

The Michigan Avenue Rain Gardens are a beautiful and environmentally friendly stormwater management project that is part of the overall CSO rainwater management system designed to protect our rivers from stormwater runoff. These gardens are a unique feature of The City of Lansing's rainwater management plan.

Executive Order 2006-02: City Departments are to implement a plan to power down non-essential uses of electric power in City buildings and facilities during the evening and on weekends/holidays.